Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
できる
できる (dekiru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
基づく
もとづく (motozuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between できる and 基づく.
In Japanese, できる (できる (dekiru)) is typically associated with "to be able to, to be completed, to be made, to be built (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb with multiple meanings: 'to be able to.
On the other hand, 基づく (もとづく (motozuku)) maps to "to be based on, to be founded on" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents ある事実や規則、理念などを「根拠とする」ことを意味します。通常、「～に基づいて」の形で使われます。/ Means to 'be based on' facts, rules, or principles. Usually used in the form "～に基づいて. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "できる"
この家は来月にはできるでしょう。
This house will probably be completed by next month.
Bilingual Context for "基づく"
この計画は、最新のデータに基づいて作成されました。
This plan was created based on the latest data.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この家は来月には ＿＿＿ でしょう。" (Meaning: "This house will probably be completed by next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "できる" fits here because it means "to be able to, to be completed, to be made, to be built (intransitive)" in the context of: "This house will probably be completed by next month.". "基づく" represents "to be based on, to be founded on".